It’s no secret that Google is intent on world domination. Apple maintains the same aspiration. Other than their similar ambition, Google and Apple have little else in common. The two companies approach the marketplace differently. And their corporate cultures sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. Yet Apple and Google are focused on the same goal: technological hegemony. Image courtesy www.latimes.com –

In their battle for total world domination, neither Apple nor Google pulls any punches. There’s nothing subtle about the conflict. It’s like watching Monster Zero clash with Godzilla.

Recently, Apple announced that it would allow Verizon access to the iPhone, which had been the exclusive property of AT&T. It’s safe to say that the thinking behind the move was market share and profit. So in that sense, the move was understandable, especially since Android-based smart phones are outselling iPhones by leaps and bounds. In another sense, the move might have been a mistake, because by allowing Verizon’s customers the iPhone option, Apple may have diminished the iPhone’s exclusivity, which makes it hard to justify the smart phone’s price tag.

Historically, Apple has had a tendency to price its products right out of the market. Witness Apple’s computers, which are not even an alternative for the average consumer. If I can purchase a Dell laptop for half the price of an Apple laptop, it’s a no-brainer. I’m going with the Dell. And pretty soon, Apple will have the same problem with its iPad, because Samsung is ready to rock n’ roll.

But things are about to get even more interesting. Microsoft has elected to become a device company. The first step in their strategy is to buy Nokia.